Congratulations to Theresa Muldoon, who has been made a Papal Dame in recognition of her service and dedication to the Archdiocese for over 40 years.
Theresa, a parishioner of St Catherine’s in Gracemount, received the insignia of St Gregory the Great at St Bennet's in Edinburgh on Saturday, where she works as housekeeper.
Archbishop Cushley said: “This recognition is richly deserved.
“Theresa has served the Church with quiet dedication and tireless generosity.
“Her presence at St Bennet's over four decades has been a source of strength, support and service to all who have passed through these doors, including Pope Benedict.
“Her service has been invaluable, and I am very grateful for all she continues to give.”
Theresa has worked at St Bennet’s since 1985, first for then-Archbishop Keith Patrick O’Brien, and continued in the role when Archbishop Cushley arrived in 2013.
She has also been a helper at the annual Archdiocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes for around 40 years.
Theresa has been married to George (in title photo with Archbishop Cushley) for 54 years and he joined her on Saturday for the presentation, along with her two daughters and their husbands, and four grandchildren.
She said: “I couldn’t believe it, it was a big surprise.”
When asked for the highlight of her work she said: “Serving Pope Benedict when he visited St Bennet’s as part of his visit in 2010.
“We served haggis, neeps & tatties, then roast beef, followed by cranachan. He loved freshly squeezed orange juice, so we had that as well.
"He was here for a few hours, and had a wee lie down to rest after dinner.”
The Pontifical Equestrian Order of St Gregory the Great was established by Pope Gregory XVI in 1831.
It is one of five categories of papal knighthood of the Holy See, in which recipients are made either knights or dames.
The honour is bestowed upon lay people in recognition of their personal service to the Holy See and to the Church, through their good work and the good example they set in their communities and their countries.